Weather update: Now Friday joins Sunday as under a warning for heavy rain

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by Luke Sproule, Reporter covering Rose Hill, Iffley and Littlemore. Please call me on (01865) 425422

OXFORDSHIRE is in for a wet weekend after the Met Office issued severe weather warnings for Friday and Sunday.

The yellow warning, in place from 10am to 8pm on Friday, means there is likely to be heavy, slow moving and possible thundery showers with a risk of localised flooding.

On Sunday there is the risk of widespread heavy rainfall of up to 50mm as the remains of hurricane Bertha passes over the Western side of the Atlantic. Sunday’s warning is in place from 12.15am to 11.45pm.

The hurricane is expected to pass today but will be followed by a transition from tropical to extra-tropical weather.

The Met Office's chief forecaster said: " For Friday a warm, unstable airmass will affect the area leading to heavy, slow moving showers and a risk of hail and thunderstorms. Rainfall of 20 to 30mm are likely locally, but could exceed 50mm.

"The remains of hurricane Bertha, over the western side of the Atlantic on Thursday morning, will come steadily towards the UK.

"The transition from a tropical to an extra-tropical feature is a particularly hard one to forecast with confidence, and computer models continue to differ in the location and intensity of the resulting depression, which is expected to pass over, or close to, the UK from early on Sunday.

There is the potential for widespread rainfall totals of more than 50 mm and coastal gusts of over 60 mph, along with large waves.

"However, the system may pass harmlessly to the south of the country. or spread heavy rain even further north, and the public are advised to keep up to date with warnings."

A yellow warning means the public should be aware of the risk of heavy rain and strong winds which have the potential to disrupt transport and make outdoor activities dangerous.

The Met Office has warned that a transition from tropical to extra-tropical weather is hard to forecast and the situation could change suddenly.

The yellow warning is the lowest level of alert, warning the public to be aware of the potential for bad weather and keep up to date with the forecast.

An amber warning means people should be prepared and take precautions against bad weather and in the case of a red warning significant disruption to everyday life should be expected.

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